11. Determining Sample Size

Those who do not believe in sampling should never go for a blood test.

11.1. Introduction

In a statistical context, a “sample” of the population can yield a reliable estimate of population statistics provided that (i) each item in the population has an equal, unbiased chance of being selected, (ii) that the sample is properly stratified to take into consideration the characteristics and risk factors of the population, and (iii) the sample is large enough to be representative of the characteristics of the population. Accordingly, a sampling strategy has to be designed to facilitate the statistical projection of errors.

The process of determining appropriate sample size entails specifying a level of reliability and ...

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